Approximately 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry are currently exposed to asbestos on the job. Many employees remain at risk despite the links between asbestos and serious health problems having been established decades ago. Those who believe they or their loved ones are one of these at-risk employees, please continue reading, then contact an experienced Miami work injury lawyer to learn more about asbestos in the workplace in South Florida.
Employer Responsibilities and Liability
In the state of Florida, employers are legally responsible for protecting their workers from asbestos exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to assess asbestos levels, mark off regulated areas, and control work practices to keep employees safe. Employers should take the following steps:
- Thorough Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the workplace to identify any potential sources of asbestos. This includes inspecting buildings, materials, and equipment.
- Employee Training: Provide thorough training to all employees who may come into contact with asbestos. This training should cover the dangers of asbestos, safe work practices, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Protective Equipment: Ensure that employees are provided with appropriate PPE, such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing, to minimize their exposure to asbestos fibers.
- Safe Work Practices: Establish and enforce safe work practices for handling asbestos-containing materials (ACM). This may include procedures for removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of ACM.
- Regular Monitoring: Implement regular monitoring programs to assess employee exposure levels and ensure that they remain within safe limits. This may involve air sampling and medical examinations.
- Information and Communication: Keep employees informed about the risks of asbestos exposure and the measures being taken to protect them. Encourage open communication and address any concerns they may have.
By implementing these safety measures, Florida employers can significantly reduce the risk of asbestos-related illnesses. But if employers fall short, victims of asbestos exposure may have a claim to compensation.
How do you know if you qualify for compensation for asbestos exposure in your South Florida workplace?
Despite asbestos being naturally occurring in the environment, even short-term exposure to inhaling asbestos fibers while on the job can lead to long-term breathing problems, coughing and shortness of breath. The following serious health problems can stem from long-term exposure to this carcinogen:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma, i.e. a form of cancer that invades the lining of the chest and abdomen
- Asbestosis, i.e. lung inflammation and buildup that can cause coughing, difficulty breathing and permanent lung damage
- Colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers
- Abnormalities, such as thickening and calcification, in the lining of the chest cavity
What South Florida occupations are particularly prone to asbestos exposure?
Some lines of work are still quite commonly exposed to asbestos. Some of the jobs with the most frequent and sustained exposure are roofers, those who work in construction, plumbers, mechanics, and more.
What should I do if I was harmed due to asbestos exposure?
You should reach out to a skilled Miami personal injury attorney today if you or a loved one believes you have been exposed to asbestos in a South Florida workplace. Together, we will discuss the particulars of your case, weigh your options and tailor an appropriate strategy to fight for the compensation you deserve and need to recover from your injuries.
The state of Florida requires all employers to maintain certain standards. If they fail to adhere to them, they open themselves up to lawsuits. Our legal team will pursue the full range of damages permitted by Sunshine State law, so please give us a call today.
Contact a Miami-Dade County, Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been seriously injured as a result of negligence, or your loved one lost his or her life due to the negligence of another, you need an aggressive legal team you can depend on. No matter the origin of the injury at hand, our firm has the resources to satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim and win you the compensation you need. Contact us at Aigen Injury Law today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Originally published Jun 10, 2022. Updated August 1, 2024.